Sand Box

A few sunny shots to remind us of the spring weather we had last week.  Tony and I actually pulled out the deck furniture (realizing that waiting to paint the deck = not having any deck furniture this season), and, more to the point, opened up the little hand me down turtle sand box.  I can't even believe how great the kids were - no sand throwing, no tantrums, just lots of fun.  The girls built little towers for the boys to smash, and then I built big towers for the girls to smash.  We killed the better part of 2 hours out here one evening and it was like a little slice of heaven.  There's nothing quite like getting your hands and feet in some sand to life your spirits.

A little light cleaning

 I once read that your children do not need a play room.  "They already have one" this lovely article said, "it's whatever room you're in".  Now I won't claim that I don't enjoy having our basement "play room" even if it's just a place to shove those extra toys that I want to trash, but Tony says we should keep... It's a change of scenery and a change of pace.  But most days, no matter what sort of super cool activity we arrange for the kiddos to take part in so that the adults can get something done, we more often then not will find ourselves with 4 other pairs of hands and feet that just really really want to do what we're doing.

{egg}cellent painting

It was a little late in the day on Saturday that we remembered the Egg-Painting.  Whoops.  I can't say that I thought it out over much - just boiled some eggs (after googling and checking with 3 people on how to do it - for some reason I thought it may be harder then it actually is), slapped a table cloth on the table, and coated some Q-Tips in food coloring.  As a last minute snazz-a-razz decision I grabbed some 3-d foam stickers to jazz up any white spots.

Spring Craft: Collaged Egg Bunting

This was the latest in our spring craft creations.  It was super easy and super fun!   Presenting our Collaged Easter Egg Bunting!

Too Ambitious

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Perhaps I was a bit overzealous this morning... I think the disposal of the high chairs yesterday made me think that perhaps I was the mother of 5 and 7 year olds, not 1 and 3 year olds... and so it was that in a serious lack of judgement I called to the kids:  Let's play out front this morning! (insert the threatening musical tone:  dum dum DUM!)

Chasing Shadows

Originally posted on Monday, March 19, 2012

This is a crazy week coming up - with me working 8-4 and somehow managing  to be Muhlenberg High every day from 3:30-10 for Anything Goes dress rehearsals and performances.  Our wonderful family was working overtime, coming to the house early and helping to watch kids overnight or at odd times... All this is to say that I FAILED in my picture a day mission.

Early Spring Walk

Originally posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Tony corralling the boys pre-walk

We have been cooped up for far, far, farfarfarfarfaaaaaarrrr too long.  Did I mention that it seems like a really long time since we've been outside?  It sounds crazy, even to me, because this was just about the most mild winter the north east has seen since the Dinosaurs roamed, but it's difficult!  

Job Perk

Originally posted on Friday, February 24, 2012

I know I get grumpy about working and all down in the mouth about “this isn’t how I wanted it to be” and blah blah blah... (How can you stand it really... I’ve been an incessant whiner for the last two years!?!)  Granted, the current employers are a bit nuts and the requirements enough to drive any sane person to the brink... but today, as I led an art staff meeting with Jack on my lap and the happy chatter of Emma and Belle creating “paper airplanes” in the background I had to stop and think:  How freaking lucky am I?!? 

Company

Originally posted on Saturday, February 18, 2012

I know I’ve spoken of it before - the share it all, bare it all nature of pregnancy, delivery, and apparently raising children is so completely against the natural order of my brain.  I can to this day change into a swimming suit without revealing scandalous amounts of skin.  I never was one to share a bathroom stall with girlfriends.  Heck, I wake up early on vacation to put make up on before everyone else wakes up.  I put make up on when I’m sick... I’m all about hiding the messier parts of life, which is why I am completely and absolutely flummoxed by the parade of children that follow me into the bathroom each day.  

Will You Check On Us?

Originally posted on Thursday, February 16, 2012

If anyone ever has doubt that a parents heart resides outside of their body, you only need to look at your sleeping children. Each night as we tuck the girls into bed we go through the same four steps:  Story, Prayer, Kisses (both real and blown), and the assurance that we will, of course, check on them. 

4 little {thumb} bodies love you

Originally published on Sunday, February 12, 2012

This years kid created valentine... no snazzy in process shots, but believe you me, my mind is whirring on how to improve upon this creation in the future... font, placement... However, I cannot argue with the kiddos excitement over the craft... they loved it... Inky thumbs?!?  Little body decorations?!?  Gluing?!?  PURPLE RIBBON!?!  Gasp.  This is just about the best thing that happened to the girls since... well... yesterday.

Spring Craft: Easter Cards

And the Spring Crafts continue!  I originally saw this adorable little Easter Card while perusing my current obsession inspirational goldmine:  Pinterest.  How cute is it?!?  Thumb prints?!?  That's totally up my alley.  I was intrigued by this one right away because of the colorful prints, and it turns out they cleverly used water based markers for the effect... this was a total score for us because we didn't have to purchase a darn thing to make these holiday cards for our family and friends.

Spring Craft: Tree Blossoms

I had promised, swore up and down, that over my break we'd make lots and lots of crafts.  These crafts, of course, would include a significant amount of pink and purple.  The girls already are pretty fond of art, but since they are attending my art camp this year I thought it would be a good idea to get into the spirit of direction following, as well as the spirit of Easter and Spring... at least a little bit.